1. Standard piston check valve (straight-through type)
Vertical installation is prohibited
The valve disc relies on its own weight to fall vertically to achieve sealing. When installed vertically, the valve disc cannot be reset, resulting in reverse leakage or functional failure.
The only installation method: horizontal pipeline, the valve body axis must be parallel to the ground.
2. Special vertical lifting check valve
Vertical installation is allowed
The valve body structure is optimized, and the guide mechanism ensures that the valve disc slides up and down along the axis in the vertical pipeline.
Core premise: the medium must flow from bottom to top, and the valve disc is opened by the thrust of the medium.
Typical scenarios: water supply riser of high-rise buildings, feed pipe of chemical reactor.
3. Consequences of incorrect installation
Function failure: the valve disc is stuck in the guide sleeve and loses the check ability;
Seal damage: the valve disc cannot be closed when the medium flows back, causing leakage;
System risks: pump group reversal, water hammer impacts pipeline equipment.
4. Alternative solutions and selection suggestions
When vertical installation is required: select a swing check valve (can be installed in any direction) or a vertical special lift valve;
Piston valve selection: confirm whether the model is a vertical structure (such as marked "vertical lift");
System design: Swing or multi-flap check valves are preferred for vertical pipelines to avoid functional risks.
Summary: Conventional piston check valves are prohibited from vertical installation. Only special vertical structures can be used vertically when the medium flows from bottom to top. The valve structure must be clearly identified when selecting to avoid system failures caused by misinstallation.
